National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Masha Mshomba. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
Dar es Salaam – The Director General of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Masha Mshomba, has outlined significant strides made by the Fund to improve member services by adopting Information and Communication Technology (ICT). During an October 1, 2024 meeting with the Tanzania Editors Forum (TEF) held at NSSF Mafao House in Ilala, Dar es Salaam, Mr. Mshomba also unveiled the National Informal Sector Social Security Scheme (NISS).
Mr. Mshomba commended the government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan for supporting the NSSF’s growth, particularly over the past four years. Since President Hassan took office, the number of employers and members joining the Fund has surged, propelling the Fund’s total assets to TSh 8.5 trillion, up from TSh 4.8 trillion.
He noted that NSSF has been steadily improving its services by embracing ICT, with 80% of its operations now digitized, compared to just 42% in the 2021/22 financial year. By the end of the 2024/25 financial year, all essential services will be accessible online.
"Through these ICT systems, we’ve brought services closer to our members, who no longer have to visit NSSF offices for assistance. They can now access services from wherever they are," Mr. Mshomba said.
He also highlighted the introduction of an online claims submission system, aimed at making it easier for members to apply for their benefits remotely. This move is expected to eliminate delays and ensure members receive timely services, as the system enhances transparency and ease of follow-up.
Addressing the informal sector, Mr. Mshomba revealed that NSSF has taken deliberate steps to encourage more Tanzanians to save for their future. The launch of the National Informal Sector Social Security Scheme (NISS) is in line with the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Millennium Development Goals, which emphasize universal social security coverage. The NSSF has developed strategies to reach individuals across various groups and industries, ensuring all citizens, including those in the informal sector, can access social security benefits similar to formal workers.
The NISS scheme is expected to broaden social security coverage to groups traditionally excluded from such benefits, despite their substantial contribution to the national economy. The scheme aligns with government efforts to reduce income poverty, boost productivity, and stimulate national economic growth.
NSSF also offers a voluntary contribution plan for all workers. "I encourage everyone to take part in this scheme as it provides an opportunity for additional income. Our focus now is to raise awareness and educate people on the benefits of joining," Mr. Mshomba added.
Deodatus Balile, Chairman of the Tanzania Editors Forum (TEF), praised the NSSF for its strategic development projects, including the completion of the Mkulazi Sugar Factory. He also lauded the initiative to extend social security coverage to the informal sector, stressing that it ensures inclusivity and security for all citizens.
Balile further urged private sector employers, particularly media owners, to ensure timely submission of their employees’ NSSF contributions so that retirees can receive their rightful benefits. The TEF chairman highlighted testimonies from retired journalists, Flora Wingia and Bakari Machumu, who are beneficiaries of NSSF’s monthly pension payouts. Retired editors were also honored at the event for their contributions.
Meanwhile, NSSF’s Director of Operations, Mr. Omary Mziya, reaffirmed the Fund's commitment to its core mandate of registering members, collecting contributions, investing, and paying benefits. He emphasized the ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the importance of social security, particularly within the informal sector, which consists of approximately 11 million Tanzanians.
"The informal sector represents a vast section of the population, including farmers, fishermen, small-scale miners, artisans, vendors, and many others. These groups are vulnerable to risks like old age, unemployment, or death, and they need the protection that social security provides," Mr. Mziya said.
He reiterated that the NISS provides an avenue for all self-employed individuals to safeguard their future through social security, further contributing to the nation’s economic stability.